Bismah Maroof reveals she feared for playing career after sinus operation

Bismah Maroof, Pakistan’s former captain, has revealed she had doubts she would ever play cricket again after undergoing surgery for a sinus problem earlier in the year. Maroof experienced issues with her vision before and after the operation but has recovered to play a part in Pakistan’s Women’s World T20 campaign.

It was after suffering from blurred vision during training in July that Maroof was told she needed an urgent operation. Because the sinus attack was related to her brain, doctors said the problem could be life-threatening; and even after the four-operation went to plan, she faced complications.

“It was quite challenging,” Maroof told the ICC’s website. “After the surgery I was on a high dosage of medicines. My eyes got affected, so it took time for me to return to playing.”

“I was quite depressed. Lying there, at one point I couldn’t imagine that I could get up and play again. But they say that whatever plan is made for you is for the good.”

Having been initially not she could not play cricket, Maroof’s condition fortunately improved and she was able to return to the Pakistan set-up during the T20 series against Australia in Kuala Lumpur last month.

Although she has been replaced as captain by Javeria Khan, Maroof remains a key part of the set-up. She is her country’s leading WT20I run-scorer, and second-most capped player in the format – experience that came to the fore in her innings of 53 in Providence on Sunday, helping Pakistan to their highest T20 total against India.

It was not enough to set up victory, however, and with Pakistan also beaten in their opening match, against Australia, they face a struggle to qualify from Group B. They have an opportunity to notch a first win against Ireland on Tuesday but, it seems, whatever the game throws at her and her team, Maroof will be ready.

“It’s important now to prioritise my health. It has been a stressful time,” she said. “I have learnt that you shouldn’t plan too much. All your life plans can be turned upside down. So I will not plan again!”